**Position:** RB
**College:** UC Davis
**Height:** 5’11”
**Weight:** 200 lbs
**Accolades:** First-Team All-Big Sky (2022, 2023, 2024), Walter Payton Award Finalist (2023, 2024), 2023 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, 2024 Preseason Big Sky Offensive MVP
**Background:** There has been no player in the FCS quite like that of UC Davis' Lan Larison over the last few years. One of the best all-around athletes in all of college football (and with a background in rodeo), Larison led the Aggies is rushing (1,465) and receiving (847) yards last year and was responsible for 23 scores. He finished third in the entire FCS in 2024 in total rushing yards and sixth in rushing touchdowns. In his five-year collegiate career, Larison accounted for a staggering 5,357 all-purpose yards and found the end zone 51 times. From running to catching to, at rare times, even throwing the ball, he can and did do it all for the Aggies.
**Strengths:** One of Larison’s best assets as a runner is his vision and patience when carrying the ball. He has no issue hesitating to let a play develop in front of him before making his move. He has a knack for finding holes that open late in the offensive front. He follows his blocks well and does a terrific job of keeping his eyes downfield allowing him to anticipate the play to be made in front of him.
Larison is also an extremely strong runner, often making sheer muscle plays. Although his frame is not particularly eye-popping, his upper body strength is. Larison is difficult to bring down upon first contact and, if he has an appropriate angle, uses his stiff arm to near perfection. With a head of steam he is particularly dangerous, frequently bulldozing would-be tacklers in his path, even those larger than him.
**Weaknesses:** While Larison brings a lot to the table in terms of strength and know-how, his speed is not anything that will blow scouts away. He is far from slow, however he is not typically a home run threat. Whether it be his initial burst off the line or his movement to evade defenders, he is not usually the fastest guy on the field. If he is able to hone in his other skills well, however, speed ought not to be a pressing issue.
**Final Analysis:** Larison, despite not being invited to the major senior showcases, still has a very good chance of getting selected in the Draft because of the versatility he possesses. Whether it be run, catch or block, he can aid an NFL squad in a lot of ways and that should be attractive to GMs and coaches. Larison appears to be a perfect fit for a special teams unit which may be his door to an increased role later on. If he does get picked, it will likely happen in the later rounds.
**Projected Selection:** 6th Round (Day 3)